Question about cropping

[--chris--]

Hello NR Photogs,

 

Some background on me/my camera.  I have used a Canon G5 for years, it worked well but I lost the charger for it (again) and I am thinking instead of buying yet another charger I will just buy an upgrade.  

 

On a scale of 1-10, my photography knowledge is probably a 4-5.  I understand aperture, WB, basic pros and cons of DSLR vs ______, etc...I have some seat time in PS, GIMP and canon raw software.  My skill on the other hand...lol.  It can use some work.  

 

I am looking at buying an older DSLR with a kit lens as a path to a true macro lens.  I am thinking something like a Nikon D40 (on the low end) up to a D3100 on the high end.  The other option bouncing around in my head is spending more on a newer 'prosumer' with more pixels, then get as close as possible with prosumer and crop crop crop to get 'close up'.  

 

I believe firmly in the 80/20 rule.  If I can get 80% to good looking "macro" like shots of my tank with a simpler/cheaper prosumer I am all for it.  On the other hand, the assumption that I can just crop my way to happiness with a ~20 MP prosumer needs to be tested...so it might not even work the way I expect it to (i.e. is it even an option?).   

[shaner014]

What’s your budget? 

[--chris--]

$100-$200 if I go DSLR.   A bit more if I go with a powershot/similar.  

[shaner014]

If you can push that a bit, I’d look for an old t3i and canons 60mm macro, or a nifty 50mm and some cheap macro tubes. 

 

Im not super familiar with the newer powershot stuff. 

 

I shoot a 6D and plan to add the 100mm non-L macro. In the meantime I have a 50 and some cheap macro tubes.

 

 

Lotta good info here:

 

 

[--chris--]

Have any sample photos you can share with the 6d & 50 and macro tubes?

 

I watched a T3 (not T3i) auction last night and was kind of surprised it wound up at $135 shipped.  Thats with kit lens.  The T3i's appear to be going for about double that.  While im sure many people can benefit from the differences between them I probably would not.  My skill levels is more evenly matched with a older DSLR lol.    

[shaner014]

My current tank was setup this weekend. My photography has evolved a bit since I last shot a tank, that said, it’s still a bit of a learning curve and trial and error. So your not necessarily behind the 8 ball as far as skill. 

 

Here’s was an old shot I found on my Flickr. I think I used that setup? I got rid of my old tank shortly after getting the macro tubes and they have been sitting waiting. I plan to practice more soon! 

 

[--chris--]

I choose a direction, bought a D40 body with a bag for $63 on ebay.  

 

Hows this lens?  Seems like a hell of a deal?  I am wary of posting it publicly...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Used-Sigma-AF-Macro-50mm-f-2-8-Auto-focus-Lens-1-1-for-Nikon-Polarizer/163435758871?hash=item260d87c517:g:VrgAAOSwsqdcFt3M:rk:4:pf:0&LH_BIN=1

[--chris--]

To circle back and put a bow on this topic....

 

I put together a quick summary of what I bought (D40 & old 50mm macro lens) and what I have been able to do.  If anyone is interested, check out page 9 of my build thread:

 

 

[Oldsalt01]

I’ve got a D40 I don’t use anymore that I’m looking to sell. Excellent condition, never dropped, never exposed to moisture, never stored with the battery inside. The battery terminals are corrosion free. Complete with charger, 2 batteries, soft case, strap, ect. No lens tho. Looking for $150 shipped. I can provide complete Photos tonight. PM me  if you’re interested.

[--chris--]

Hey @Oldsalt01 thanks for the offer!

 

I found one already though.  Good luck w/ sale.

[DaveFason]

I have forgotten about this forum! @--chris--

 

For macro I would look for a manual focus lens. Autofocus and macro are pretty pointless in my opinion. I use a 75mm paired with a close up adaptor kit. Also have use a true macro lens. 

 

A few tips.

• Use tripod and even add a sandbag under to make it even more steady. 
• Set a timer for 2-5 secs to reduce any shaking.
• Try f5.6 - 8. 
• Don't be afraid of ISO. 
• Pumps off to reduce random stuff in photo. 
• Try a orange filter. 

-D